Family Law
With accredited specialists and a strong team of collaboratively trained and experienced Family Lawyers, we’re here to support you through this difficult time with clarity, empathy, and a commitment to achieving fair and timely outcomes.
Not all relationships last forever—and when separation happens, it can feel emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Our experienced and empathetic team understands the challenges you’re facing and is here to help you navigate both the legal and emotional journey ahead.
As collaboratively trained solicitors, we are committed to helping families reach resolution through respectful negotiation and open communication, aiming to avoid unnecessary conflict wherever possible. However, when an agreement cannot be reached, and court proceedings become necessary, our team is equipped to support you in filing an application with the Family Court and confidently guide you through the process to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
Our team of collaboratively trained solicitors, including accredited specialists, can advise clients on all issues relevant to the breakdown of a relationship, including:
Parenting Arrangements
A key concern for most people when they separate is the living arrangements of the children post separation. It is important to discuss, as soon as possible, after separation what will happen in relation to the children and their time with each parent.
Property Settlement
Going through a separation is an emotionally difficult time. Added to this is the financial stress of dividing your assets. It is important that you receive advice about what is an appropriate division of assets based upon your circumstances.
Divorce
Obtaining a Divorce is often the final step in dealing with a property division and can be done by consent or by one party alone.
Child Support
Following separation, parties are often confused about their obligation to pay or their right to receive child support. Gaining an understanding of your child support liability or rights is imperative in planning your future.
Asset Protection Combining Financial Agreements
Second relationships, de-facto relationships, entering a relationship later in life. More people are entering relationships with significant assets in their own right, a key concern for clients is the protection of their assets when entering into a new relationship. We regularly advise clients on the benefits of Binding Financial Agreements.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative way of resolving your family law dispute without the high costs, emotional stress and lengthy delays associated with Court proceedings.
Flexible Funding for Your Family Law Matter
At Southern Waters Legal, we understand that the financial side of separation can be one of the biggest barriers to getting the legal support you need. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustFund to give our family law clients access to flexible payment options.
Through JustFund, your legal fees and disbursements can be funded upfront through a dedicated line of credit, allowing you to focus on resolving your matter without the added strain of paying costs along the way. Repayment is only required once your property settlement is finalised and funds are received, giving you the breathing space to move forward with confidence.
This funding is designed for matters involving a property division. While JustFund can’t assist with parenting-only matters, they may be able to help where parenting and property issues are being managed together.
Our team is here to guide you through the application process and explore whether JustFund may be right for you. By removing financial barriers, we aim to ensure you can access quality legal advice and representation when you need it most.
You can read more on JustFund here.
Contact us today to discuss whether JustFund may be an option for your family law matter or make an application at https://justfund.com.au.
OUR FAMILY LAW SOLICITORS
LEGAL INSIGHTS
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Saying Goodbye to Add-Backs: What This Means for Property Settlements
A major change is underway in family law property settlements following a recent decision by the Full Court of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Shinohara, July...
Making Family Law More Accessible: By Easing the Cost of Separation
At Southern Waters Legal, we understand that one of the biggest concerns people face when going through a separation is how to afford legal fees. Family law matters are stressful...
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Our Special Counsel and Accredited Specialist, Adeline Schiralli, is presenting a one-hour webinar for the College of Law on the essentials of Wills and Estates Practice. Date...
JOIN OUR TEAM
Southern Waters Legal has multiple offices across Sydney, including Cronulla, Sydney CBD, Avalon and Menai. Our team is enthusiastic, energetic, and excellent at what we do. Not only do we provide expert legal advice, but we also offer an empathetic and highly personalised service.
We are always on the lookout for new talent, so if you would like to join our team, please email your resume to: careers@southernwaters.com.au.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Senior Legal Secretary – Family Law (Cronulla)
The Role
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and proactive Senior Legal Secretary to join our busy Family Law team in our Cronulla office.
The successful candidate will have proven experience, with the ability to work autonomously and be an organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, and enjoys being part of a collaborative and supportive team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-level secretarial and administrative support to our Family Law team
- Draft, review, and prepare correspondence and legal documents
- Prepare and file Court documents
- Liaise with clients, Courts, Solicitors and Barristers
- Manage diaries, appointments, and deadlines
- Audio/dictaphone typing and document management
- Assist with billing, accounts and general administration tasks
Selection Criteria
- Proven experience supporting senior solicitors in Family Law
- Strong communication, organisational and time management skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Professional, proactive and positive attitude
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Team player who values collaboration and client service excellence
Benefits and Culture
- A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
- Opportunities for growth and career progression
- Regular social events
- Beachside location in Cronulla
- Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
- Access to on-site gym and pool
- Flexible working arrangements
- Birthday leave
- Convenient public transport and parking options nearby
Our Values
- A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
- Opportunities for growth and career progression
- Regular social events
- Beachside location in Cronulla
- Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
- Access to on-site gym and pool
- Flexible working arrangements
- Birthday leave
- Convenient public transport and parking options nearby
Mid-Senior Solicitor – Family Law (Cronulla)
The Role
Our award-winning Cronulla beachside office is seeking a passionate and energetic full-time Solicitor to join our dynamic legal team. This role offers the successful candidate excellent exposure to high-quality family law matters, along with ongoing support and mentorship from our experienced team.
The role will involve applying excellent technical expertise and client-focused skills across a range of family law matters, including:
- Parenting arrangements
- Property settlements
- Divorce matters
- Child support
- Asset protection
- Binding financial agreements
Mediations and court appearances
Selection Criteria
- Relevant experience providing high-quality legal advice in Family Law
- Display initiative and enthusiasm
- Confident and professional manner
- Ability to work around tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and organisation skills
- Attention to detail
- Positive attitude
Benefits and Culture
- A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
- Opportunities for growth and career progression
- Regular social events
- Beachside location in Cronulla
- Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
- Access to on-site gym and pool
- Flexible working arrangements
- Birthday leave
- Convenient public transport and parking options nearby
Our Values
We live and work by our values, which underpin our successful culture:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Empathy
- Can-Do Attitude
- Communication & Teamwork
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@southernwaters.com.au. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Mid-Senior Solicitor – Estate Planning
The Role
Our busy legal team is seeking a passionate and energetic full-time Solicitor. Opportunities are available at both our Sydney CBD office and our beachside Cronulla location.
The role involves applying excellent technical expertise and client-focused skills across a range of estate planning matters, including:
- Asset protection
- Wills and complex estate planning, including testamentary trusts
- Incapacity planning
- Succession planning for companies and trusts
- Probate and estate administration
- Estate litigation disputes
- Superannuation
Selection Criteria
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in estate planning or related areas
- Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, and strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate within a team while working autonomously
- Hardworking and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Alignment with our shared values
Benefits and Culture
At Southern Waters Legal, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of technology while fostering a supportive and flexible workplace. Our management team fosters an environment where staff can thrive, providing a professional setting that prioritises growth, development, and success.
- Supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
- Opportunities for growth and career progression
- Regular social events
- Choice of beachside Cronulla or central Sydney CBD location
- Modern office space with leading technology and IT support
- Flexible working arrangements
- Birthday leave
- Convenient public transport and parking options
Our Values
We live and work by our values, which underpin our successful culture:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Empathy
- Can-Do Attitude
- Communication & Teamwork
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@southernwaters.com.au. Only successful candidates will be contacted.